Throughout parts of the season, Talon Dogmanits has watched his team struggle with execution and turnovers.

Last week’s 31-7 loss to Emmaus was yet another example for Dogmanits and his Zephyr teammates, who fell to 2-5 on the season. Whitehall trailed 10-0 at the half.

“Our offense couldn’t stay on the field in the first half, but our defense did a really good job,” said the junior wide receiver. “In the second half, we had some turnovers that put our defense in bad situations, and we just could never get back in the game.”

The Zephyrs will look to get back on track when they host Allen Friday night. The Canaries (2-5) have dropped five straight after a 2-0 start. They see the game as an opportunity to gain a victory and help their cause in the District Class 5A bracket.

“This week against Allen is a big game because it’s a really good chance to get a win and keep our confidence up.

“We need a couple of wins down the stretch, so we can feel good about ourselves going into the postseason and playing our best when it comes to the district playoffs.

Senior Brandon Bird, who record three tackles and had one reception for three yards, believes his team has to tighten the reins. The Zephyrs were flagged for six penalties and had two turnovers.

“The game of Friday showed us that we need to play clean football without penalties,” he said. “We need to take advantage of practice this week our mistakes for Allen.”

Head coach Andy Marino also hopes the Emmaus game is behind them.

“Emmaus executed at a more consistent level,” he said. “They did a good job.

“We look forward to this week. We need to have another good week of practice and play at a high level.”

PREDICTION (season record 2-5): Allen won its first two games by a 86-8 margin playing two Philadelphia inner-city teams, and they have dropped their last five by a 218-72 deficit ... Over the last 10 years, the teams have meet only twice. Whitehall won both meetings, 53-0 last year, and 37-0 in 2020 ... Talon Dogmanits caught three passes for 47 yards, one a 34-yard touchdown pass ... Tanner Dogmanits completed 11 of 18 passes for 47 yards with a touchdown and an interception, and he also rushed for a team-high 22 yards. Whitehall had 115 total yards against Emmaus ... Adam Youwakim led the team with eight tackles. Jacob Hannis and Henry Schultz each had five stops. Whitehall is second in the District 11 Class 5A bracket behind East Stroudsburg South, with only four teams in the bracket, they will qualify and would currently open against Pleasant Valley (0-7) ... This can be a perfect rebound game for the Zephyrs. They wasted little time in their 41-6 victory over Pocono Mountain East two weeks ago. The schedule doesn’t get any easier with games against Parkland and Allentown Central Catholic ahead. Zephyrs need this one to gain some respectability back, and some momentum. They need to get a fast start here, and head cross country coach Brandon Hampton can pick me up a cheesesteak at the SMP Mini-Market. Ketchup on top, please ... ZEPHYRS 33-10.